The X-King sits between Conti’s wider spaced, knobblier Mountain King and Trail King tyres and their super-fast, barely treaded Race King.
The Black Chilli rubber mix is a similar compromise of rolling speed and wear life, with just enough tackiness to stop it being treacherous if things get damp. Where this tyre really scores is agility and acceleration-enhancing low weight despite its cut-proof ProTection carcass and reasonable volume for a 2.2in tyre (the 2.4in is massive). The well-spaced tread hooks up OK in loose loam, gravel or tackier conditions to stay safer than a semi-slick on the front in summer or the rear in winter. It’s floppy at low pressures and doesn’t have the most reliable tubeless seal though, and the cheap version found on some complete bikes is very delicate.
Best for: Front
Weight: 610g
Width: 52mm
Price 75$